Pepsi Family Center

Walk through the Pepsi Portal to History and into the Pepsi Family Center where you will travel in time through a time machine back to 1835 and a small river village in North Carolina’s Central Coastal Region to discover a different way of life and new skills. 

Your journey begins on a wharf in New Bern in 1835, a busy river village and coastal port. Join the crew of the Snapdragon as she sets sail on a trade voyage and master the skills necessary to return back to port. Every crewmember has a unique role and must work together to help the ship reach its destination safely.

At the Turpentine Still in our Forest, each person has a special job to do to produce high-quality turpentine, one of the region’s main products.  Turpentine, which comes from the pinesap that was plentiful in North Carolina’s extensive pine forests. In 1835, the naval stores industry was also a large part of the local economy. Turpentine was sold from naval stores and was used in the production and waterproofing of wooden ships. 

At home in the Kitchen, help the cook as she seeks ingredients for her recipes and then watch as they are prepared before your eyes. Afterwards, join a quilting bee in the parlor, and design patterns from squares that will be pieced together to create a beautiful quilt.

Finally, step onto Main Street and help two local merchants who are looking for some extra hands. In the Dry Goods Store, help the shopkeeper as he finds items to fill his customers’ shopping lists. Over in the Print Shop, the printer’s devil is looking for someone to help him finish writing the town newspaper.

The Pepsi Family Center was made possible with a generous gift from PEPSICO.

The Pepsi Portal to History was funded by Minges Bottling Group.

Exhibit Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday